Police Recommend Charges Against Gachagua Allies Over Anti-Government Protests
The police have advised the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) to charge politicians allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for their involvement in the recent anti-government protests.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), an investigation was launched after an intelligence report indicated that certain individuals were involved in planning, mobilizing, and financing the violent demonstrations that took place on June 25, 2024.
In a letter, Abdalla Komesha, the Director of Investigations at DCI headquarters, stated that two MPs and aides of the Deputy President were implicated in these activities following a series of meetings at a Nairobi hotel. All involved were subsequently questioned by the DCI.
As a result, the DCI has recommended that some of the individuals be charged with soliciting or inciting others to commit offences under Section 391 of the Penal Code. Additionally, the two MPs and one of the Deputy President’s aides face potential charges of conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393 of the Penal Code, pending ODPP approval.
One of the MPs may also face separate charges of money laundering.
“Efforts are being made to obtain all financial data FRC, Safaricom and banks where financial transactions were carried out,” Komesha said in part in the letter to the ODPP dated September 24.
ODPP Reviewing Charges Against Gachagua Allies as Tensions Rise
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is currently analyzing a file recommending the prosecution of politicians and aides allied to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over their alleged role in the recent anti-government protests. Officials have stated that the ODPP will make a decision on the matter soon.
This development follows reports of potential plans to impeach the Deputy President, citing various violations of the law. Gachagua has denied any wrongdoing by his aides and allies, calling the accusations a “political betrayal.”
President William Ruto previously described the Generation Z-led protests as a peaceful movement that was hijacked by organized criminals. He vowed to take action against those financing the violence. Police are continuing their investigation into the alleged involvement of Gachagua’s allies in funding the violent demonstrations and the looting of businesses in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya.
